Raymond Padgett, now a principal on special assignment in the district's Human Resources division, takes over at Pierce on July 22.

Padgett, 44 joined the district in 2002.

A Tampa native and 1987 graduate of Chamberlain High School, he served as a technology specialist, lead magnet teacher and assistant principal at Orange Grove Middle Magnet School between 2002 and 2010. He then spent two years as principal of Sgt. Paul R. Smith Middle School before taking his current assignment in Human Resources.

Board members Susan Valdes and April Griffin, who both attended Pierce as children, both said they were glad to see the position filled at the school, which has lost two principals since November.

"Help is on its way and I am really excited about this new leader," Valdes said.

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Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.